candid threads

We interviewed Ana from Franklin Panama, the maker and creative mind behind our beautiful handmade silk scarves, which are both chic and versatile, and of course, perfect for summer!

When did you know you wanted to design scarves?

It was about 4 years ago.

One day I was walking down the street in Panama and I came across the molas design everywhere I went. I knew I had to design silk scarves whoch showcased this beautiful molas culture. I'm a lawyer, so the first thing that came to mind was in the copyright so I contacted the Congress General Guna to have their permission to start working!

Tell us about your design process.

The designs of molas are inspired mostly on original designs of the Gunas because we want to keep the tradition of their culture but also give those a chic and elegant touch that you can use every day either for your work or dinner and feel that you are wearing a very unique and special piece with a story. The design is digitally transferred and sent to Italy for printing on silk.

What sort of creative challenges do you face?

What I wanted above all was to keep the spirituality and importance of hte Mola in the design of the scarves and that was the main reason I wanted to go speak with the General Guna Congress directly so that I could ensure I had all the legal rights that protect this great people and heritage. It was a long process and a great challenge but it was worth it.

Tell us a bit more about the artisans you work with as well as their hand-weaving techniques.

We work with graphic designers so I give them guidelines of what I want always based on the art of our Mola Gunas.

Where are you based and where do you like to spend your free time and find inspiration?

I am always around the old areas of the city and the Gunayala Islands (San Blas), which are Guna territory  and are one of the most beautiful islands around the world.

Do you have any style tips for scarf aficionados?

Spot the latest scarf trend! Stars, they're just like us and like to try new things with their accessories. Fold it in a triangle for a full covering look like Katie Holmes and Ashley Olsen, or simply use it as a headband on those warm days like Miss Richie.

This season we fell in love with the beautiful scarf designer and silk-whisperer, Ana, and her unique mola-inspired handmade scarves. Handmade in Italy, using 100% pure Italian silk, these pieces blend perfectly the ancestral Panamanian Mola culture and modern design. The Mola, traditionally used as a feminine attire, is one of the most beautiful symbols of Panamanians' indigenous culture, has transcended generations and country borders.

Ana works hand in hand with the local indigenous culture and community to bring to life truly unique patterns and colour palettes while guaranteeing that the percentage of profits made from her sales shall be offered back to the Guna Yala community to support the preservation of their culture, education and internal projects. Candid Threads is proud to be part of this meaningful cause.

AISH creates, sources and designs textiles using age old crafting techniques like, Jamdani weaving, Ikat dyeing, Bengal Handloom, Gujarat embroidery, Shibori dyeing and many more.